Manhattanhenge, where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the Manhattan street grid, is happening later this month. Neil deGrasse Tyson offers us some viewing tips:
For best effect, position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible. But ensure that when you look west across the avenues you can still see New Jersey. Clear cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th. 42nd, 57th, and several streets adjacent to them. The Empire State building and the Chrysler building render 34th street and 42nd streets especially striking vistas.
Part one of the 'henge starts on Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 29th @ 8:13pm with a half sun setting on the grid. The full sun sets on the grid the day after, Wednesday, May 30th @ 8:12pm.
Part two occurs a little later this summer, after an equal amount of days have passed after the equinox. Those dates are Thursday, July 12th @ 8:20pm with the full sun setting on the grid. The last chance to see Manhattanhenge this year is on the day after, Friday, July 13th @ 8:21pm with a half-sun.
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